No form of hate will stop me from the deeply meaningful and symbolic mitzvah of carrying the Torah later on today. In the midst of community grief, my hope is that all communities will connect together and remain steadfast in strengthening love for one another over what threatens to divide.

🍯 It's 5786! As Rosh Hashanah begins, I’m embracing this season of reflection and renewal - not just personally, but professionally. The Jewish New Year invites us to pause, take stock, and recommit to the values that guide our work and our lives.

Excellent to see @hackneycouncil.bsky.social Hackney Year 6 pupils, which includes my son, crowned the best in the country for KS2 results. A far cry from my day when education in Hackney was so poor that my mum sent me out of the borough. news.hackney.gov.uk/news/hackney...

The Champions of Europe, and always the leaders of North London! Well done and mazel tov to my beloved #Arsenal 💕

“Children’s worlds have shrunk enormously over the last 50 years… We need to reclaim childhood.” > More than 80 per cent of 55- to 64-year-olds said they regularly played out on the street and had freedom to explore when they were young, compared with only a quarter of children today.

🌟 Change with Care, Courage, and Connection 🌟 I'm thrilled to share my latest ADCS blog www.adcs.org.uk/care-courage..., where I explore the profound themes of change, radical leadership, and resilience through the lens of relational practice. 🧵

"Group of the year was made by youth clubs." What a brilliant salute to youth work. I love Ezra Collective - their music, ethos, and passion for community - to bits. Mazel tov for their #Brits2025 win. buff.ly/uwDkmKp

Caribbean and other cutural food businesses bring London to life, creating the world in one city. Their social value can be understated. Keith Lee, American social media personality and food critic, visited Maureen's Brixton Kitchen. You have to watch until the end. www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee12...

Last week was a momentous one for us! We received an outstanding Ofsted report for our Children's Services—an achievement that we couldn't be more proud of. 🎉 To celebrate, we hosted a staff conference to not only recognise our accomplishments but to also discuss the challenges ahead and....

Recent rises in living costs are putting incredible pressure on both services and families. We are looking for professionals to take part in research about families facing persistent financial challenge and the impact this has on children’s social care. ow.ly/uYxT50UAoLE

How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵

How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵

The power of care and volunteering can't be underestimated. Last year, the festive period for my family and me was awful. My granddad, one of my last remaining Windrush generation family, passed away in his care home. This Xmas, watching the iconic DJ AG..

O fiscal devo, fiscal devo, wherefore art thou fiscal devo?

On the one hand, a focus on #localgov workforce development. On the other, secondments between the central and regional tiers only. Interesting. #devolution

I may currently be in a London borough however I can't wait for the Devolution White Paper. The opportunities for the future, form and function of local government and #localgov family don't come around often.

At the #NCASC24 race and racism session, I was one of the Black audience members who commented. I have had to take a couple of weeks to reflect and reorientate. Here is why 🧵

Are we back to Public Service Agreements and a Prime Minister's Delivery Unit?

Farewell, for now, Liverpool. One of the top, and best, cities in the world. #ncasc24 #ncasc

More than one in three children in poverty. This study measures a family’s resources, not just their income, a model that the DWP will use. A welcome emphasis but depressing news.

I'm in a semi-controversial mood about #localgov & #devolution this week. 1. Should London have 32 + 1 local authorities? 2. Could an 'Assembly of London Council Leaders' replace the GLA? @pialidg.bsky.social @jesstud.bsky.social

Very British Problems "I'm furious!" (@soverybritish.bsky.social)

Last week started and ended in joy. Firstly, @DCMS announced a new National Youth Strategy co-produced with young people themselves. It promises to rejuvenate youth services and create better-coordinated support. A fantastic step to empower our youth and give them the tools they need to thrive.

On 19 Sept, Islington voted to recognise 'Care Experience' as a local protected characteristic. Within the motion is what I'm working towards: the Council resolved to "explore further how those who have ever been care experienced is included within care experienced as a protected characteristic."

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen family circumstances, I was unable to judge in-person in Liverpool at this year's LGC Workforce awards. However, oh my, what brilliant submissions #localgov you're amazing! Congrats to the 2024 - 2024 Winners

Is there an incoming shift in approach to school improvement, moving away from purely structural solutions while addressing concerns about financial efficiency and executive pay in the academy system?